The Trail Dames Podcast (Anna Huthmaker)
Explore every episode of The Trail Dames Podcast
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07 Mar 2023 | Episode #197 - Lite Shoes Tales of the AT (April 14) | 00:11:28 | |
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Liteshoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers.
Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 09 May 2023 | Episode #206 Lagniappe - Update from Em Janacek (In Tune) | 00:30:33 | |
My name is Em, trail name, In Tune. I’m into a lot of outdoor adventure-type activities and also all things music. I’m 24 years old, from Canada, and hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2022!
Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 08 Feb 2022 | Episode #142 Lagniappe - Hiking the AT with my Favorite Brother | 00:29:34 | |
Charles Huthmaker, CEO and Founder of CJ Crew Co., has been immersed in rowing since 1988 when he was walking across campus and saw the same sign that thousands of rowers have seen, “If interested in trying crew, show up to the meeting at (fill in the blank).”
Since then, he has been a student of the sport. Having first jumped into a coaching launch in 1991, he has since coached at all levels of the sport from novice juniors to elite athletes at world championships. Universities where he has coached include UMass-Amherst, Yale, Fairfield, Stetson and Georgia State. Clubs include Connecticut Boat Club, Norwalk River Rowing, Orlando Rowing Club and Atlanta Rowing Club. While coaching at UMass-Amherst, he earned his MS in Exercise Physiology.
While watching athletes improve and succeed fuels his fire, helping coaches improve is also a joy. Charles has been helping USRowing educate coaches since 1999 by running Level 1 and Level 2 clinics all over the country, along with presenting at the USRowing Convention.
Charles currently lives in Trumbull, CT with his very patient and understanding wife, Elvis the neurotic dog, and Dixie, his newly adopted launch mate.
Guest Links- The Men of Trail Dames - https://www.traildames.com/menoftd.html Charles Huthmaker- https://cjcrewco.com/site/ Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com You can find the Trail Dames at: Our website: https://www.traildames.com The Summit: https://www.traildamessummit.com The Trail Dames Foundation: https://www.tdcharitablefoundation.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traildames/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/traildames/ Hiking Radio Network: https://hikingradionetwork.com/ Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hikingradionetwork/ Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters "Dance Upon This Earth" | |||
| 24 May 2022 | Episode #157 - Em Janacek (In Tune) | 00:50:15 | |
My name is Em, trail name, In Tune. I’m into a lot of outdoor adventure-type activities and also all things music. I’m 24 years old, from Canada, and currently attempting to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail!
Guest Links- Em on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/em_aroundtheworld/
Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com You can find the Trail Dames at: The Summit: https://www.traildamessummit.com The Trail Dames Foundation: https://www.tdcharitablefoundation.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traildames/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/traildames/ Hiking Radio Network: https://hikingradionetwork.com/ Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hikingradionetwork/ Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 23 Nov 2021 | Episode #131 - Paula Martin (Wind Eagle) | 00:40:36 | |
As a young kid, Paula Martin enjoyed exploring the outdoors, especially at her grandparents' cabin in the deep woods of Tioga State Forest. Much to her grandparents dismay, she would find injured animals and bring them back to help them. This included a fox and baby skunks. This didn’t change as an adult. She still loves animals and trained dogs for a few decades, all the while still wandering through the woods.
At one point, Paula lived full time with her partner in her grandparents' cabin for 13 years, heating with wood and living among the bears, deer, turkey, bobcats, and many other creatures with her rescued dogs. All she had to do for an adventure there was walk out her front door. Then in 2017, the backpacking bug hit and she decided to do the Appalachian trail. To understand her equipment, she hiked and backpacked the Mid-State Trail in Pennsylvania, a 530 km trail (one of the few US trails that uses the metric system).
At 65, after completing the Mid-State, Paula started the Appalachian Trail in 2018, completing 1900 miles. This year, she completed the Benton MacKaye Trail and her last 300 miles of the Appalachian trail. And Paula recently moved to the Smokies in Tennessee for a longer hiking season. Guest Links-
Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com You can find the Trail Dames at: The Summit: https://www.traildamessummit.com The Trail Dames Foundation: https://www.tdcharitablefoundation.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traildames/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/traildames/ Hiking Radio Network: https://hikingradionetwork.com/ Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hikingradionetwork/ Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 23 Mar 2021 | Episode #96 - Lisa Work and Audrey Scanlan | 00:55:41 | |
Lisa Work: Lisa has been in education for over 30 years serving in private schools and public schools in theroles of teacher, administrator, and consultant. In October 2020, she was named a Postulant for Holy Orders to the Priesthood in the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania.
Lisa has always loved doing things in nature. Growing up, her family spent vacations car camping. That tradition continued as her daughters were born and grew up and, as a single mom, she continued car-camping and day hiking local trails. Lisa will be celebrating her 18th year as a breast cancer survivor this year. She became more serious about backpacking when she decided to participate in "Seek-the-Peak" in the White Mountains as a way to celebrate being a cancer survivor in 2012. Lisa and her husband Mark, and their dog Emmie live in York, PA. They have 4 adult children who live relatively nearby and this year, they became grandparents. Lisa dreams of hiking the Camino De Santigo (Camino Francés route) and thru-hiking the AT. Audrey Scanlan: Audrey serves as the Bishop of the Episcopal Church in Central Pennsylvania - an elected position that gives her oversight of 60 churches and 11,000 folks who belong to the Episcopal Church in the region. Conveniently, the AT runs right through the middle of the area that she oversees!
She lives just 4 miles from a trailhead in the middle of the Cumberland Valley (PA) which is one of the most gentle (read: flat) sections of the entire AT! Audrey tries to get out on the trail at least once during the week and walk and run around the cornfields in our neighborhood on most mornings. She loves to cook, still, and is happiest in the kitchen, or out on the trail. Audrey and her husband Glenn have three children and two toddler grandsons who they are going "love up" as soon as Covid is over! And, like lots of folks, some day... she wants to thru-hike the AT. :)
Guest Links- Lisa's trip blog: https://www.logosyork.org/reflections-from-an-episcopalian-pilgrimage-on-the-appalachian-trail Audrey's blogs: www.diocesecpa.org/blog www.ourselvesoursoulsandbodies.com Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com You can find the Trail Dames at: The Summit: https://www.traildamessummit.com The Trail Dames Foundation: https://www.tdcharitablefoundation.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traildames/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/traildames/ Hiking Radio Network: https://hikingradionetwork.com/ Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hikingradionetwork/ Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 24 Aug 2021 | Episode #118 - Ashley Manning (Yardsale) | 00:59:01 | |
Ashley Manning, whose trail name is Yardsale, has become a well-known advocate for plus-size adventuring. She has made it to around mile 950 on the Appalachian Trail and plans on finishing it within the next year and a half. She attended another expedition down the Grand Canyon in November 2019, and has plans to hike the John Muir trail in the next couple of years.
Currently, she is raft guiding on the Chattooga River. Ashley grew up hiking around the North Georgia mountains with her Father and Uncle, so the love for the outdoors runs deep. She prides herself on breaking stereotypes and showing the world that people of all sizes can be outdoorsy. In 2019, Outside Magazine named her one of the "Plus Sized Adventurers You Should Follow". She is a regular contributor to The Trek and makes it her goal to inspire and motivate women everywhere.
Guest Links- Ashley on Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/ashleysadventure/?hl=en
Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com You can find the Trail Dames at: The Summit: https://www.traildamessummit.com The Trail Dames Foundation: https://www.tdcharitablefoundation.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traildames/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/traildames/ Hiking Radio Network: https://hikingradionetwork.com/ Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hikingradionetwork/ Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com Any support is gratefully received. | |||
| 29 Sep 2020 | Episode #71 - 5th Tuesday Special (Backpack Shakedown with a Trail Dames Panel) | 01:33:00 | |
For our fifth-Tuesday-of-the-month podcast, we brought together a varied panel to discuss what they put in their packs.
Our three panelists: Roxanne Schenk - I am married and, together my husband Lynn, I have 6 children, 12 grandchildren, and 3 (step) great-grandchildren. I spent my career working in health care and retired early to help provide care for my aging mother and other family members. Hiking is my way of relieving my stress and the way I recharge. On my second date with my husband, we went hiking. I joined Trail Dames in the spring of 2017 and became a hike leader in May 2019. My first backpacking trip was in November 2018.
Laura Seeger - Laura is 57 years old and works in the insurance industry. Of self-professed "average build and strength" she has been hiking her entire life. She had a brief, three-trip foray into the world of backpacking while in college and recently decided to pick it back up again about 5 years ago. She trains five days a week with a 35 lb pack and 2 dogs, and is always looking forward to her next trip.
Susan Eben - Susan is originally from Canada and was a self-proclaimed couch potato for most of her life. She works in Medical software development where she is a laboratory technologist by trade and also works in software development. She is an empty nester with a 23-year-old son and a house cat. Susan recently discovered hiking/camping/backpacking in the spring of 2020, and she says that it was absolutely something that nobody around her ever thought she would do. She absolutely fell in love with it and is now hooked. When she discovered backpacking, she read books, did research, listened to podcasts, and watched movies before starting to buy gear and jumping right in. She represents the newbies on our panel, but has garnered a LOT of experience in the few trips she has taken so far!
Show Notes- Farm to Feet - https://www.farmtofeet.com/ Frogg Toggs - https://www.froggtoggs.com/ Mont Bell - https://www.montbell.us/products/list.php?p=all&cat_id=4000 Lightheart Gear - https://lightheartgear.com/ Big Agnes - https://www.bigagnes.com/Gear/Tents Gregory - https://www.gregorypacks.com/ Wright Socks - https://www.wrightsock.com/ Sawyer Squeeze - https://sawyer.com/products/sawyer-squeeze-filter/ Ursack - https://ursack.com/ Pillow X - https://klymit.com/products/pillow-x Tea and Spice Exchange - https://www.spiceandtea.com/ Klymit - https://klymit.com/ Thermorest - https://www.thermarest.com/ Nemo - https://www.nemoequipment.com/ Jet Boil - https://www.jetboil.com/ Pocket Rocket - https://www.msrgear.com/stoves/canister-stoves/pocketrocket-2-stove/09884.html Pepsi Can Stove - https://www.thesodacanstove.com/alcohol-stove/how-to-build/index.php Outdoor Herbivore - https://outdoorherbivore.com/ Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com You can find the Trail Dames at: The Summit: www.traildamessummit.com The Trail Dames Foundation: www.tdcharitablefoundation.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traildames/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/49722445862/ Hiking Radio Network: https://hikingradionetwork.com/ Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hikingradionetwork/ Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 20 Oct 2020 | Episode #74 - Zoe Langley-Wathen (a Trail Dames story) | 00:12:34 | |
Zoe describes herself as a mid-life blogger, speaker, and adventure seeker. She set off to walk the UK's longest national trail in 2011, solo and soon discovered that, despite her many fears of going alone or not being fit enough, she had, in fact, left it way too long.
Realizing that many women experience the same anxieties and doubts as her, Zoe is now on a mission to encourage more women to head out of their comfort zone and do something that scares them every day.
Zoe has written about her first 630 miles, solo adventure in her co-authored book, The Biggest Book of Yes, which launched on 1st August. e-Book and print copies are available from Amazon at https://bit.ly/TBBOY3
Other links: Zoe's Website and blog - https://headrightout.com/ Zoe's Social Media- @headrightout on all platforms (Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook page). Zoe's Facebook Group - HeadRightOut Hub -The Hub is a women-only, safe space to share fears and encourage members to push themselves out of their comfort zone.
Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com You can find the Trail Dames at: The Summit: www.traildamessummit.com The Trail Dames Foundation: www.tdcharitablefoundation.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traildames/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/49722445862/ Hiking Radio Network: https://hikingradionetwork.com/ Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hikingradionetwork/ Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 23 Jan 2024 | Episode #243 - Aaron Owens Mayhew (Back Country Foodie) | 00:34:50 | |
| 03 Nov 2020 | Episode #76 - Carla Robertson (a Trail Dames story) | 00:16:11 | |
When Carla Robertson hiked into Maine for the first time, she had to face ALL her fears in one day.
Carla Robertson is an inspirational woman and a life coach. Carla is an Appalachian Trail thru-hiker who discovered a talent for inspiring people through that rich experience.
Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com You can find the Trail Dames at: The Summit: www.traildamessummit.com The Trail Dames Foundation: www.tdcharitablefoundation.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traildames/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/49722445862/ Hiking Radio Network: https://hikingradionetwork.com/ Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hikingradionetwork/ Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 23 Jul 2024 | Episode #269 - Lite Shoe's Tales of the AT (June 30) | 00:16:05 | |
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Liteshoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers.
Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 04 May 2021 | Episode #102 - Christine Reed (a Trail Dames story) | 00:12:09 | |
Christine Reed discovered long-distance backpacking while surfing the internet at work. She decided that day to attempt to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. One adventure led to another, and a few years later she set out on the Wonderland Trail in Mt Rainier National Park.
Her Rugged Outdoors Woman persona started as a joke, a nod to the outdoor adventurer that she wished to be. But in the years since, she has come into her own as a backpacker, rock climber, and trail runner. Her debut memoir, Alone in Wonderland, is a testament to the decision to name who you want to be and make it so. Guest Links- Christine on Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/christine.e.reed Christine on Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/ruggedoutdoorswoman/ Alone in Wonderland- https://www.aloneinwonderland.com/online-store
Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com You can find the Trail Dames at: The Summit: https://www.traildamessummit.com The Trail Dames Foundation: https://www.tdcharitablefoundation.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traildames/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/traildames/ Hiking Radio Network: https://hikingradionetwork.com/ Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hikingradionetwork/ Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 15 Aug 2023 | Episode #220 - LiteShoe's Tales of the AT (May 2-4) | 00:18:42 | |
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Liteshoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers.
Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 20 Apr 2021 | Episode #100 - Shadi Ganjavian Connor (a Trail Dames Story) | 00:11:16 | |
Shadi Ganjavian-Connor has an extraordinary talent for inspiring others, fueled quite simply by her sole desire to help the world in any way she can. Shadi has extensive and diverse marketing experience working with companies such as Marks & Spencer, Harrods, B&Q and ID Technology Group leading the marketing strategy, communication, and project management for several successful high-profile campaigns. Shadi is also co-founder of the community interest company, SHAPE Hampshire, which has been established to introduce Mind, Body, and Education support to Hampshire Schools.
Over the years, Shadi has constantly been involved in kick-starting fundraising and awareness for many community projects such as establishing a community centre in Egypt, raising the profile of The Little Princess Trust by engaging National TV and Newspapers in, what is now a popular national campaign encouraging hair donation to provide wigs to young cancer and alopecia patients.
One of Shadi’s most innovative projects to date was to initiate a design project with O’Neil Wetsuits, for a Marwell Zoo resident penguin named Ralph who was in desperate need of a wetsuit! Guest Links- Video on Matterhorn climb - https://youtu.be/_DlEKCVxK50 Shadi on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/GanjavianConnor Team GC on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TEAMGC.CO.UK Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com You can find the Trail Dames at: The Summit: https://www.traildamessummit.com The Trail Dames Foundation: https://www.tdcharitablefoundation.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traildames/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/traildames/ Hiking Radio Network: https://hikingradionetwork.com/ Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hikingradionetwork/ Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 24 Sep 2019 | Episode #26 - Marina LeGree: Ascend | 00:59:01 | |
Marina LeGree is the founding director of Ascend and brings over a decade of experience working in Afghanistan and other unstable environments. In 2014 she founded Ascend, a non-profit organization whose mission is to develop young Afghani women into leaders through community service and the sport of mountain climbing.
In 2018, her teams work resulted in a historical first. Hanifa Yousoufi, was the first Afghani woman to climb the highest mountain in Afghanistan. Marina and her team are committed to creating life-changing programs and services for the young women of Afghanistan. She does this by focusing not only on mountaineering, but on projects based on heath and fitness, self-esteem and confidence.
https://www.ascendathletics.org/ https://www.outsideonline.com/2393332/noshaq-afghanistan-first-women-ascent https://www.facebook.com/ascendathletics/ | |||
| 16 Jul 2024 | Episode #268 - Carol and Jim Steiner (The Appalachian Trail Day Hikers' Guide: Downhill to Fine Wine and Accommodations) | 00:28:31 | |
Bio- Carol is the writer, hiker, trip planner, and speaker. Jim is the electronic geek, photographer, treasure hunter, and hiker. In photos, he captures the beauty and details along the trail for Carol to bring to life on paper. Together they crafted The Appalachian Trail Day Hikers’ Guide: Downhill to Fine Wine and Accommodations, Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee, published February 2018.
Carol and Jim have hiked more than nine hundred miles of the Appalachian Trail. Their slackpacking adventure began in 2007. They hike several sections of the trail yearly so they can savor the mystique of the A.T., research segments for their next book, and explore the hidden treasures of Appalachian communities. When asked, “How long do you think it will take you to finish the Appalachian Trail?” Jim laughs and says, “Our son hiked the trail in a hundred and twelve days. Carol thinks we can hike it in a hundred and twelve years.” Their goal is to enjoy each hike, one day at a time, and to explore the small towns along the way, but not necessarily to complete the entire Appalachian Trail from end to end. Carol and Jim love exploring the outdoors and traveling to new places. They grew up hiking in the piney woods of Northwest Florida, boating and skin diving in the Gulf and inland waterways. When they married and moved to Cape Canaveral, they explored the Atlantic for sunken Spanish galleons and hidden treasures. Carol became a private pilot and explored the airways from California to New York in the Power Puff Derby, the Bahamas on vacations, and small Georgia towns as a public health nurse educator. They love the challenge of exploring new places and finding natural wonders in nature and discovering the art, music, and culture of small towns in the Appalachian Mountains. Every day hiking trip along the Appalachian Trail is an adventure to be shared with their readers. Guest Links-
Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 12 Sep 2023 | Episode #224 Lagniappe - Aleah Haugen | 00:49:34 | |
Bio- I have grown up in Washington State my whole life near Mount Rainier and was introduced to exploring the outdoors by my Grandma when I was 5. I've grown up hiking, backpacking, and spending time outside throughout my life and have recently jumped into the world of mountaineering. My ultimate desire is to be a wife and mom, and to be an independent homeschool teacher/homesteader. I'm currently engaged and will, Lord willing, be getting married this upcoming October 12th. Exploring God's creation, spending time with family and friends, and learning new things are what I enjoy most and I'm greatly looking forward to whatever adventures lie ahead!
Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com The Summit: https://www.traildamessummit.com The Trail Dames Foundation: https://www.tdcharitablefoundation.org Instagram: Instagram (@traildames) Facebook: Trail Dames | Facebook Hiking Radio Network: Hiking Radio Network Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: Instagram (@hikingradionetwork) Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 20 Mar 2018 | Episode #01 - Carla Robertson | 00:39:59 | |
Welcome to the new Trail Dames Podcast. The aim of the podcast is to inspire women to get out into nature and to realize that there are many like-minded, suportive women just like them. I'm Anna Huthmaker, the founder of Trail Dames. In 2003, I hiked over 700 miles on the Appalachian Trail and discovered that there weren't too many people like me out there. The adventure was pivotal to my life and when I returned home, I set out to form a welcoming, supportive club of like-minded women. Through this forum, I've been lucky enough to meet and become friends with a diverse group of ladies, many of whom I will be interviewing for the show.
This week, my guest is Carla Robertson, an inspirational woman and life coach. Carla is an Appalachian Trail thru-hiker who discovered a talent for inspiring people through that rich experience.
You can connect with Carla through Facebook and Instagram, at livingwildandprecious. You can also visit her two websites, livingwildandprecious.com, which is her life coaching site, and wildandwhiteblazing.com, which is a site all about thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail.
Please subscribe to the show so that when Episode #2 is released, it will appear on your phone immediately. And please, if you have suggestions for the show, or if you simply want to write and tell me what you think of the show, email me directly at ahuthmaker@yahoo.com If you'd like to learn more about Trail Dames, visit the TrailDames.com website for more information. The Summit will be in July this year, in North Carolina, so visit TrailDamesSummit.com for all the details on that. | |||
| 18 Feb 2025 | Episode #296 - Amazing Women, Amazing Writers! | 00:29:08 | |
We have three extraordinary writers coming up on the Trail Dames Podcast and today we share their stories of Colorado wildlife in the dark, the hope and anxiety of the AT approach trail and the undeniable call of the Grand Canyon. And no worries, Lite Shoe will be back next week!!! Guest Links- Amanda K Jaros - http://www.amandakjaros.com/
Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 29 Aug 2023 | Episode #222 - Fifth Tuesday - Kelly Howard (Fit is Freedom) | 00:59:59 | |
Kelly Howard is the Fitness Consistency Expert with a touch of Adventure and the author of FIT: Active & Ageless for Life! For over 25 years she has helped busy women prioritize their fitness so they can feel great and have more fun and energy for the things they love in this second half of life. She believes you can do anything when you feel strong, confident, and empowered.
Kelly loves adding fun and adventure to life with outdoor activities like hiking, biking, backpacking, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. She empowers individuals to adventure out of their comfort zones by trying outdoor experiences they have only dreamt of or possibly haven’t experienced in a very long time. Her Fit is Freedom podcast, coaching, online courses, and events have changed the lives of thousands of women. As a frequent guest on podcasts and television, she also created the FOX TV Outdoor Houston Adventure series. She currently calls Houston, Texas, home but can often be found kayaking rivers and traveling trails worldwide.
Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 11 Aug 2020 | Episode #64 -Tami Brooks (Part 2) | 00:49:25 | |
When we left Tami two weeks ago, she was about to head down into the Canyon. Let's find out how it turned out.
In 2016, with zero outdoor experience, Tami Brooks decided to hike the Grand Canyon. Aided by a Google search bar and a glass of Cabernet, she made reservations and embarked on a life-changing year reclaiming her life one step at a time. Brooks now works as a freelance travel and lifestyle writer and is currently writing a book about her experience.
She is also the creator of the 52 Weeks 52 Hikes online community. When she's not on the trail or in her kayak, you can find her on the deck plotting her next adventure. Tami Brooks - http://tamis-trippin.com/ Tami on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/tamis.trippin/ First Day Hikes - https://www.stateparks.org/initiatives-special-programs/first-day-hikes/ Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com You can find the Trail Dames at: The Summit: www.traildamessummit.com The Trail Dames Foundation: www.tdcharitablefoundation.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traildames/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/49722445862/ Hiking Radio Network: https://hikingradionetwork.com/ Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hikingradionetwork/ Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 20 Dec 2022 | Episode #186 - LiteShoe (Tales of the AT Apr 7-8) | 00:19:47 | |
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Liteshoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers.
Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com You can find the Trail Dames at: The Summit: https://www.traildamessummit.com The Trail Dames Foundation: https://www.tdcharitablefoundation.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traildames/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/traildames/ Hiking Radio Network: https://hikingradionetwork.com/ Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hikingradionetwork/ Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 25 Feb 2025 | Episode #297 - Lite Shoes Tales of the AT (August 18 [pt. 2]-19 ) | 00:21:17 | |
Bio- Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Lite Shoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers.
Guest Links- Weather Cam on Mount Washington - http://www.mountwashington.org/cam/deck/index.php http://www.outdoors.org/lodging/huts/huts-madison.shtml First Health Hospice Hospice Services at FirstHealth | Quality End-of-Life Care Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 28 Jun 2022 | Episode #162 - Diane Harsha (Sticks) | 00:44:54 | |
Diane "Sticks" Harsha is the author of the recently published (and now also available on Audible) Sticks and Stones: How to Hike the AT in 13 Years. This is the memoir of a Tennessee wife, mother, and FBI agent who section hikes from Georgia to Maine when she can spare the time away from the demands of her career and the responsibilities to her family.
From 2005 to 2017, Sticks lived her life with one foot on the Trail and one foot off, her heart always in two places but her mind at peace. Now retired from the FBI, Sticks lives in Franklin, Tennessee. Guest Links-
Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com You can find the Trail Dames at: The Summit: https://www.traildamessummit.com The Trail Dames Foundation: https://www.tdcharitablefoundation.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traildames/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/traildames/ Hiking Radio Network: https://hikingradionetwork.com/ Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hikingradionetwork/ Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 22 Feb 2022 | Episode #144 - Kelly Howard | 00:53:49 | |
Kelly Howard is the Fitness Consistency Coach with a touch of adventure! She helps busy women prioritize their fitness so they can feel great and have more time and energy for the things they love. When we feel strong, confident, and empowered, we can do anything.
Kelly loves adding fun and a little adventure into life with outdoor activities like hiking, biking, backpacking, SUP, and kayaking. Her Fit is Freedom podcast, courses, and events have changed the lives of thousands of women. As a frequent guest on podcasts and television, she is also the creator of the FOX TV Outdoor Houston Adventure series. She currently calls Houston, Texas her home, but can often be found kayaking rivers and traveling trails around the world.
Guest Links- FB Group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/kellyhoward FB Page- https://www.facebook.com/FITisFREEDOMNow IG- https://www.instagram.com/fit_is_freedom/ LinkedIN- https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-howard-fitisfreedom/ Video of old man and grandaughter- https://www.popsugar.com/family/emotional-holiday-ad-with-grandpa-lifting-weights-video-48056723
Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com You can find the Trail Dames at: The Summit: https://www.traildamessummit.com The Trail Dames Foundation: https://www.tdcharitablefoundation.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traildames/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/traildames/ Hiking Radio Network: https://hikingradionetwork.com/ Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hikingradionetwork/ Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 12 Feb 2019 | Episode #12 - Winter Hiking | 00:44:35 | |
Have you ever tromped down the trail in the snow and ice? There is a special kind of peace and beauty that awaits those who are brave enough to go out in the winter. Join our host Anna Huthmaker as she welcomes guests Cindy Denise and Laura Donovan, accomplished winter hikers, and Head Dames for two of the New York Trail Dames chapters. Snowshoes, clothing, micro-spikes…no topic goes un-discussed as we help get you ready to hit the trail in winter.
Cindy Denise- Cindy has lived in the Hudson Valley for most of her life. While she spent two years in Pennsylvania and 9 months in Florida, she always yearned to be back in the Catskills. Cindy says that she can't remember a time when hiking has not been part of her life. She has hiked all the peaks in the Catskills over 3,500 feet with four hiked again during the winter. Although she is proud of this accomplishment, her favorite treks now are those that have a trail to follow with a reward at the end such as a glorious view or a waterfall to rest near. These days, Cindy shares her knowledge with women in New York by being the Head Dame of the Central Hudson chapter of Trail Dames, where she often takes them out in the ice and the snow. The Dames are so lucky to have her!
Laura Donovan- When asked about herself, Laura Donovan says “two things run in my blood–hiking and teaching.” Several years ago, after moving up to New York, Laura found herself teaching music in the schools during the week and traversing the hiking trails of the Adirondacks during her weekends. For years, she had done lots and lots of hiking, in Georgia, South Carolina, and Vermont, much of it solo. While she had heard of Trail Dames when living down South, it wasn’t until she moved back home that she decided to merge her two passions and start a Trail Dames chapter of her own. In addition to being an advocate for Body Positivity, and LGBTQ issues, she wanted to help other women find the same joy in the outdoors that she does. These days, more often than not, you will find her weekends spent surrounded by other women, laughing and learning together, regardless of the weather. Snow or ice, you will find her on the trail where Laura is not only bringing her talent for leadership and love for adventure to the table but inspiring and motivating women. Her goal is to create a safe place for women to find their own love for the outdoors. All of us, her students, her friends, and her Dames, are lucky to know her!
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| 10 Sep 2024 | Episode #276 - Lite Shoe's Tales of the AT (July 11-12) | 00:19:14 | |
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Liteshoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers.
Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 04 Mar 2025 | Episode #298 - Amanda K. Jaros | 00:41:32 | |
Amanda K. Jaros is the author of In My Boots: A Memoir of Five Million Steps Along the Appalachian Trail and 100 Things to Do in Ithaca Before You Die. She is the editor of Labor of Love: A Literary Mama Staff Anthology. Her literary nonfiction has appeared in journals and magazines including Flyway, http://Terrain.org , Newfound, Appalachia, and elsewhere. She served in a variety of editorial positions, including editor-in-chief, at Literary Mama for ten years. She lives in Ithaca, NY with her husband and son, where she serves her community as a County Legislator.
Find her at Guest Links-
Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 12 Mar 2019 | Episode #14 - The Pooping, Peeing, and Periods Show | 00:45:25 | |
This episode of the Trail Dames Podcast features guests Victoria Heckler from Maryland, Kathy Rioux from Maryland and host, Anna Huthmaker in an in-depth discussion of all thing’s bathroom on the trail! Join us as we discuss the in’s and outs of going to the bathroom and dealing with female issues on the trail. At times the discussion is serious while other times we proudly get in touch with our 'inner nine-year-old boy,’ but I promise that all the information will help you feel better about ‘going’ on the trail.  Anna Kathy Victoria We highly recommend checking out the Leave No Trace website for a comprehensive explanation of proper waste disposal, along with a video of how to properly dig cat holes. Remember that different geographical locations come with different suggestions on the best ways to deal with waste, so make sure to do some research on your area!   | |||
| 12 Dec 2023 | Episode #237 - Lindsay Wenndt - Healthy Knees for Hiking | 00:39:23 | |
Bio- Lindsay Wenndt is a nationally certified health coach and fitness instructor, with specialty certifications in weight management and orthopedic health (a.k.a. joint pain). She’s the founder of Break Free Fitness, a curvy women’s health and fitness company that reserves 10% of its membership and coaching packages as scholarships for low-income women.
Lindsay has taught more than 10,000 classes to women on topics such as reversing arthritis, exercise modifications for curvy women, and staying healthy while aging. You can find her at Lindsay Wenndt - Curvy Women's Health Coach and Fitness Trainer, or strolling the streets of Atlanta hunting for historic houses to restore, practicing German long-sword fighting, or curled up on her sofa with her two cats reading the newest Sarah J. Maas novel.
Guest Links- Use Code PAINFREE for $10 off ticket price. Lindsay on YouTube- Lindsay Wenndt Lindsay's Freebie- Opt-In Landing - Lindsay Wenndt - Curvy Women's Health Coach and Fitness Trainer Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com The Summit: The Summit 2022 - Presented by the Trail Dames The Trail Dames Foundation: Trail Dames Charitable Foundation | Home Instagram: Instagram (@traildames) Facebook: Trail Dames | Facebook Hiking Radio Network: Hiking Radio Network Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: Instagram (@hikingradionetwork) Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 04 Oct 2022 | Episode #175 - LiteShoe's Tales of the AT (Mar 8-9) | 00:17:13 | |
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Liteshoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers.
Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com You can find the Trail Dames at: The Summit: https://www.traildamessummit.com The Trail Dames Foundation: https://www.tdcharitablefoundation.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traildames/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/traildames/ Hiking Radio Network: https://hikingradionetwork.com/ Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hikingradionetwork/ Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 01 Jun 2021 | Episode #106 - Miranda Peterson (a Trail Dames story) | 00:09:14 | |
Miranda was burnt out from a successful yet stressful corporate career, ending a toxic long-term relationship and struggling with an autoimmune disease when she quit her job in 2015. She spent the rest of that year living out of a backpack while:
After that, she felt drawn to Asheville, NC; about an hour from where she grew up. Because she personally experienced so much health, healing and happiness through yoga, meditation and nature, she decided to create a similar experience for others to enjoy.
In 2017, she started experimenting by herself with one trail and a handful of adventurous guests and is now so grateful that the business has grown to become a team of incredible local women that guide hundreds of guests each year to connect with their bodies, minds and with these ancient Appalachian mountains." Guest Links- Miranda on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miramblings Miranda on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/namasteinnature Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com You can find the Trail Dames at: The Summit: https://www.traildamessummit.com The Trail Dames Foundation: https://www.tdcharitablefoundation.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traildames/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/traildames/ Hiking Radio Network: https://hikingradionetwork.com/ Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hikingradionetwork/ Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 16 Apr 2018 | Episode #02 - Bunny Kramer | 00:54:02 | |
Today's guest has made a name for herself for not only loving the trail and the outdoors but for creating connections between women so that they can find and share that same love.
Bunny Kramer has spent years in online communities helping women learn about the logistics of hiking. If you need to know what clothes to wear, which water bottle to carry or what trail to take, she has answers!
In addition to the day to day things we all need to know, she helps with the mental and emotional side of getting out on the trail as well. She speaks to fear and triumph and everything in between. Bunny has always been known for sharing her knowledge and experience freely and has gone on to create some of the largest online platforms for women in the outdoors in the world.
Join us as we get to know her personally and listen to her share her motivation for bringing us all together. If you'd like to connect with Bunny or any of the groups that she runs, here are the links you'll need. Anna starts a new series today; recounting some of her own tales on the trail. This week, she describes the first three-day hike that she did with a group of nine women. As you'll hear–and as you can see below–her attempt to gracefully swing under a downed tree didn't go quite as planned. To find out more about the Trail Dames, here are a few of their links. If you'd like to reach out to Anna with suggestions for the show or simply to let her know what you think of it, email her at info@traildames.com
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| 24 Sep 2024 | Episode #278 - Lite Shoe's Tales of the AT (July 14) | 00:17:10 | |
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Liteshoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers.
Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 31 Oct 2023 | Episode #231 - Lite Shoe's Tales of the AT (May 13-14) | 00:14:01 | |
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Liteshoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers.
Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 13 Feb 2024 | Episode #246 - Kara Hardman (Thicket Adventure) | 00:32:28 | |
Bio- Kara Hardman is the Chief Fun Officer of Thicket Adventure and a curvy adventurer living in Colorado. Her favorite adventures include hiking with her adorable dog and kayaking. Kara has been in a plus size body for many years and understands the thought work it takes to love yourself exactly as you are. In March 2019, Kara climbed Kilimanjaro with the Cury Kili Crew, an all women’s group of curvy hikers, for International Women’s Day. This trip convinced her of the need for size inclusive experiences.
Guest Links-
Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 08 Jan 2019 | Episode #10 - Laura Donovan | 00:41:41 | |
When asked about herself, Laura Donovan says “two things run in my blood–hiking and teaching.” Several years ago, after moving up to New York, Laura found herself teaching music in the schools during the week and traversing the hiking trails of the Adirondacks during her weekends.
For years, she had done lots and lots of hiking, in Georgia, South Carolina, and Vermont, much of it solo. While she had heard of Trail Dames while living down South, it wasn’t until she moved back home that she decided to merge her two passions and start a Trail Dames chapter of her own.
In addition to being an advocate for Body Positivity, and LGBTQ issues, she wanted to help other women find the same joy in the outdoors that she does. These days, more often than not, you will find her weekends spent surrounded by other women, laughing and learning together.
She is not only bringing her talent for leadership and love for adventure to the table but an ability to inspire, motivate and create a safe place for women to find their own love for the outdoors. All of us, her students, her friends, and her Dames, are lucky to know her! | |||
| 20 Aug 2024 | Episode #273 - Lite Shoe's Tales of the AT (July 7-8) | 00:13:49 | |
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Liteshoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers.
Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 28 Jul 2020 | Episode #62 -Tami Brooks (Part 1) | 00:50:49 | |
In 2016, with zero outdoor experience, Tami Brooks decided to hike the Grand Canyon. Aided by a Google search bar and a glass of Cabernet, she made reservations and embarked on a life-changing year reclaiming her life one step at a time!
Brooks now works as a freelance travel and lifestyle writer, and is currently writing a book about her experience. She is also the creator of the 52 Weeks 52 Hikes online community. When she's not on the trail or in her kayak, you can find her on her deck plotting the next adventure.
Tami Brooks- http://tamis-trippin.com/ Tami on Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/tamis.trippin/ First Day Hikes- https://www.stateparks.org/initiatives-special-programs/first-day-hikes/ Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com You can find the Trail Dames at: The Summit: www.traildamessummit.com The Trail Dames Foundation: www.tdcharitablefoundation.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traildames/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/49722445862/ Hiking Radio Network: https://hikingradionetwork.com/ Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hikingradionetwork/ Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 13 Aug 2019 | Episode #23 Lagniappe - Cheryl Suchors (48 Peaks - Hiking and Healing in the Mountains) | 00:08:37 | |
Cheryl Suchors, Author 48 Peaks-Hiking and Healing in the Mountains At forty-eight years old, Cheryl Suchors―hoping to find concrete successes and a feeling of control as she changes careers and fifty stares at her from the horizon―vows to summit the highest forty-eight peaks in New Hampshire’s grueling White Mountains. Neglecting to consider her flimsy body, scoliosis, bum knee, and fear of heights, she dives into the challenge. Along the way, Suchors suffers numerous injuries; her hiking buddy succumbs to ovarian cancer; and she endures breast cancer, a mastectomy, chemotherapy, and five years of adjuvant therapy herself. But she always returns to the mountains―and in that connection she finds spiritual nourishment, as well as a space powerful enough to hold her grief. Over the ten years it takes her to complete her quest, she learns that mastery alone doesn’t satisfy her and control is often an illusion―that she must connect with hiking comrades and with nature in order to feel nourished and enriched. In the end, Suchors creates her own definition of success.
Cheryl’s site- 48 Peaks on Amazon- Cheryl on Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/Cheryl-Suchors-Author-338287663345105/ Cheryl on Twitter-https://twitter.com/cherylsuchors Cheryl on Instagram-https://www.instagram.com/cherylsuchors/
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| 14 Jan 2025 | Episode #291 - Lite Shoe's Tales of the AT (August 8-9) | 00:19:22 | |
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Liteshoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers.
Guest Links- First Health Hospice Hospice Services at FirstHealth | Quality End-of-Life Care Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 28 May 2024 | Episode #261 - Lite Shoes Tales of the AT (June 19-20) | 00:19:12 | |
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Liteshoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers.
Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 08 Dec 2020 | Episode #81 Lagniappe - 2020 Holiday Gift Giving Guide | 00:16:05 | |
Looking for some great gifts to give your favorite hiker? Check out our suggestions for the best gifts out there....from coffee to lip balm to the craziest gaiters you can imagine! These gifts show your support and belief in your friend's outdoor dreams!
https://www.foodforthesole.co/
Membership to a Hiking Organization - American Hiking Association - https://americanhiking.org/ Appalachian Trail Conservancy - http://www.appalachiantrail.org/ Great Old Broads - https://www.greatoldbroads.org/ Trail Dames - https://traildames.com/ Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com You can find the Trail Dames at: The Summit: https://www.traildamessummit.com The Trail Dames Foundation: https://www.tdcharitablefoundation.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traildames/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/traildames/ Hiking Radio Network: https://hikingradionetwork.com/ Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hikingradionetwork/ Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 11 Mar 2025 | Episode #299 - Lite Shoe's Tales of the AT (August 20-21) | 00:18:22 | |
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Liteshoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers.
Guest Links- Weather Cam on Mount Washington - http://www.mountwashington.org/cam/deck/index.php First Health Hospice Hospice Services at FirstHealth | Quality End-of-Life Care Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 17 Jan 2023 | Episode #190 - LiteShoe (Tales of the AT Apr 10) | 00:18:32 | |
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Liteshoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers. Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com You can find the Trail Dames at: The Summit: https://www.traildamessummit.com The Trail Dames Foundation: https://www.tdcharitablefoundation.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traildames/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/traildames/ Hiking Radio Network: https://hikingradionetwork.com/ Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hikingradionetwork/ Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 21 Jan 2020 | Episode #35 - Carla Robertson (a Trail Dames story) | 00:12:08 | |
Carla Robertson shares a compilation of stories, with her first night in a shelter on the Appalachian Trail and other backpacking lessons learned. | |||
| 01 Sep 2020 | Episode #67 - Anna Huthmaker (a Trail Dames story) | 00:07:53 | |
Anna shares how a chance meeting on a rainy AT day changed her whole perspective......on hiking and on life! It is amazing what you can learn from a pair of wet socks!
Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com You can find the Trail Dames at: The Summit: www.traildamessummit.com The Trail Dames Foundation: www.tdcharitablefoundation.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traildames/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/49722445862/
Hiking Radio Network: https://hikingradionetwork.com/ Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hikingradionetwork/ Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 03 Dec 2024 | Episode #286 - Lite Shoe's Tales of the AT (July 30-31) | 00:15:38 | |
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Liteshoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers.
Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 26 Sep 2023 | Episode #226 - Mingrey Wong | 00:41:50 | |
Bio- My name is Mingrey, I was born with the last name Lim but adopted by the Wong family since day one. I grew up in Malaysia, at age 11, my family migrated to United States. I served 4 years in the Navy upon graduation of High School and married at 21. After 3 daughters and 12 years of marriage, not by my choice I was divorced. I worked for an import company that made guitar cases for Taylor Guitars and music stand for Atlas Music Stands. Being both mom and the provider, made it tough for me to have any extra money for myself.
I was introduced to hiking, by some friends from church. It didn’t cost a whole lot and getting outdoors quickly became my respite. I’m very thankful that God gifted me with this tangible enjoyment. I basically dived right into the activities involving the outdoors. 15 years ago, I got married to my husband Eric, together we have 6 kids and 13 grandchildren. Now at age 55, my life pretty much involves being nana, teaching Sunday School, going on missions trips and enjoying the outdoors activities (hiking, backpacking, snow shoeing, occasional climbs). Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com You can find the Trail Dames at: Our website: Trail Dames The Summit: The Summit 2022 - Presented by the Trail Dames The Trail Dames Foundation: Trail Dames Charitable Foundation | Home Instagram: Instagram (@traildames) Facebook: Trail Dames | Facebook Hiking Radio Network: Hiking Radio Network Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: Instagram (@hikingradionetwork) Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters
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| 19 Dec 2023 | Episode #238 - Lite Shoe's Tales of the Trail (May 19-21) | 00:17:44 | |
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Liteshoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers.
Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 19 May 2020 | Episode #52 - Marie Ruff (a Trail Dames story) | 00:11:33 | |
Marie is one of those trail fixtures in the Southeast. Gatherings, Rucks, Festivals....you will always see her there, hanging out with the 'we have all hiked a million miles' hikers. She has a zillion trail miles under her belt and spends her free time helping teenaged girls learn about hiking and backpacking.
Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com You can find the Trail Dames at: The Summit: www.traildamessummit.com The Trail Dames Foundation: www.tdcharitablefoundation.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traildames/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/49722445862/ Hiking Radio Network: https://hikingradionetwork.com/ Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hikingradionetwork/ Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 23 Aug 2022 | Episode #169 - Suzanne DeGrasse | 00:42:12 | |
After 14 years as a librarian, Suzanne left that field in 2013. She knew she still wanted to be of service but wanted to help animals rather than people- although she still helps people. Suzanne became licensed for small mammals in 2014 and added her federal migratory bird permit in 2016.
In 2018, she started rehabilitating rabies vector species, with a focus on bats. Right now she primarily take opossums, hence the rescues name, Primarily 'Possums, though she also specializes in cottontail rabbits and armadillos. Suzanne mentors rehabbers new to the field and serves as an expert opossum rehabber in several Facebook groups. Guest Links-
Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com You can find the Trail Dames at: The Summit: https://www.traildamessummit.com The Trail Dames Foundation: https://www.tdcharitablefoundation.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traildames/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/traildames/ Hiking Radio Network: https://hikingradionetwork.com/ Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hikingradionetwork/ Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 28 Dec 2021 | Episode #136 - Ada and Melissa (mother and daughter) | 00:45:43 | |
Ada In 2000, I retired from the telephone company in Chicago, Illinois where I worked as a computer programmer and business systems analyst.
I recently took my granddaughter and 3 great grandchildren on a weekend camping trip to Fort Mountain with my daughter, Melissa; something I would never have tried until I received camping knowledge from the Trail Dames and hiking experiences with them. (And, yes, there are juicy stories we can tell!) Melissa I was born and raised in southern IN in a very small town called Huntingburg. It was the BEST childhood. I had a horse, was in the marching band and color guard, had a huge circle of the same friends literally from kindergarten to well after high school (and some, still to this day) and spent my summers riding my horse, camping, walking in the woods, listening to the tree’s and taking in the smells of nature. My Pawpaw was a huge part of that growing up. They lived in a perfect little log cabin, he built with timbers from my great grandfather’s barn. They had about 22 acres with a lake, which of course we swam and fished in often. My mom did a lot of home cooking, spent her whole life making sure I knew who I was, had the confidence to not allow anything or anyone to derail me and made me believe I could do anything, if I just worked hard enough in life. She was, and still is, the best…..my best friend!
I moved to Chicago, IL when I was 21, and that is where I met my husband Mark, the love of my life for nearly 30 yrs now. We got married the next year and then moved to FL right after. That’s where we raised our beautiful daughter, and I began what has been the most amazing career for myself. We were there until 2006 when my job transferred me to the Atlanta area. We now have 3 adorable grandchildren (2 girls and 1 boy) who are the joys of our life. We love to travel, spend time just hanging out as a family and laugh….Mark literally makes me laugh every day, out loud, at least once! Guest Links- Melissa on Facebook: Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com You can find the Trail Dames at: The Summit: https://www.traildamessummit.com The Trail Dames Foundation: https://www.tdcharitablefoundation.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traildames/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/traildames/ Hiking Radio Network: https://hikingradionetwork.com/ Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hikingradionetwork/ Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 09 Nov 2021 | Episode #129 Lagniappe - Shannon Fisher | 00:32:30 | |
2021 has been full of adventures for Shannon Fisher! In February, she purchased "Beaulah", a 2006 retired ambulance that she is converting into a campulance. On her 45th birthday in May, she celebrated with her sister by hiking and backpacking 45 miles on the Georgia section of the Appalachian Trail.
July included a week-long family trip to South Dakota. Shannon loved introducing her nieces and nephew to the hiking trails in Badlands National Park, Spearfish Canyon, and Custer State Park. In September, she joined friends in southern Utah for their 3rd annual hiking and canyoneering week-long adventure. In October, she plans to solo hike the 30-mile Eagle Rock Look in Arkansas's Ouachita National Forest. Her goal is to hike 500 miles in 2021.
Shannon has worked in the public education sector for 23 years. She currently serves as the Director of Online Training and Development for an education service agency in Kansas and creates online professional learning courses for teachers. Guest Links-
Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com You can find the Trail Dames at: The Summit: https://www.traildamessummit.com The Trail Dames Foundation: https://www.tdcharitablefoundation.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traildames/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/traildames/ Hiking Radio Network: https://hikingradionetwork.com/ Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hikingradionetwork/ Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 13 Dec 2022 | Episode #185 Lagniappe - How to Spread Holiday Cheer Hiking-Style | 00:14:11 | |
Anna, aka Mud Butt, is the host of the Trail Dames podcast and the founder of Trail Dames. She is always looking for ways to encourage people to get outdoors and this time of year gives her the perfect opportunity to do just that!!
Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com You can find the Trail Dames at: The Summit: https://www.traildamessummit.com The Trail Dames Foundation: https://www.tdcharitablefoundation.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traildames/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/traildames/
Hiking Radio Network: https://hikingradionetwork.com/ Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hikingradionetwork/ Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 25 Jul 2023 | Episode #217 - Bri Martinez (Wild Moon) | 00:44:15 | |
Bri Martinez is the CEO and founder of Wild Moon LLC. She has spent the last decade as an educator and outdoor guide, leading backpacking, rock climbing, and kayaking adventures. Through integrating what she has learned about women’s moon cycles, intuition, and the natural world, Bri creates dynamic and heart-centered learning experiences where women can explore and expand the edges of their own abilities and potential.
Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 05 Jul 2022 | Episode #163 - LiteShoe's Tales of the AT #10-11 (Pre-Hike) | 00:14:00 | |
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Liteshoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers.
Guest Links- First Health Hospice - https://www.firsthealth.org/specialties/hospice-and-palliative-care/foundation-support Ted “Soleman” - https://www.trailjournals.com/Soleman/ Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com You can find the Trail Dames at: The Summit: https://www.traildamessummit.com The Trail Dames Foundation: https://www.tdcharitablefoundation.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traildames/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/traildames/ Hiking Radio Network: https://hikingradionetwork.com/ Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hikingradionetwork/ Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 02 Nov 2021 | Episode #128 - Mary Emerick (a Trail Dames story) | 00:10:17 | |
Mary's story is about a chance bear encounter in the Alaskan wilderness, involving some adrenaline, a barking dog, and a whole lot of appreciation for the beauty that can be found in a mother grizzly and her cubs.
Mary Emerick is an author and a wilderness planner with the Forest Service, but her real love is long distance hiking. She began her backpacking career at age 5, carrying a pack with a sweatshirt and a stuffed animal. Working as a seasonal wilderness ranger in Idaho and a wilderness kayak ranger in Alaska were highlights of her life. She has section hiked the entirety of the Pacific Crest Trail and a few sections of the Arizona Trail. She enjoys meeting other women on the trail and would prefer never to answer the question, "are you alone out here?" again.
Guest Links- Mary's Personal blog- http://mountainsskin.blogspot.com/ Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/Mary-Emerick-Author-751689821631076 Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com You can find the Trail Dames at: The Summit: https://www.traildamessummit.com The Trail Dames Foundation: https://www.tdcharitablefoundation.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traildames/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/traildames/ Hiking Radio Network: https://hikingradionetwork.com/ Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hikingradionetwork/ Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 01 Oct 2024 | Episode #279 - Lite Shoe's Tales of the AT (July 15-16) | 00:14:56 | |
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Liteshoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers.
Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 30 Aug 2022 | Episode #170 - 5th Tuesday - Jamie Neal (Lifetree Women Care) | 00:46:56 | |
26 years ago, I was blessed to have Jamie Gregory as a student. She had the most open heart and the brightest of spirits and was a true joy to be around. As an adult, Jamie has put her gifts towards becoming a mid-wife, nurse, and now the co-founder of Life Tree Women Care. She focuses on respecting cultures, listening intently to her patients, and creating a safe medical place where women are heard.
Bio- Jamie Neal is an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner and is a Nationally Certified Nurse Midwife. With over 20 years of military service, twelve years of nursing, and over 20 years of experience caring for women of all ages, Jamie is co-founding owner of Lifetree Women Care.
Guest Links- Lifetree Woman Care on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Lifetreewomencare Lifetree Women Care on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lifetreewomencare/
Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com You can find the Trail Dames at: The Summit: https://www.traildamessummit.com The Trail Dames Foundation: https://www.tdcharitablefoundation.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traildames/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/traildames/ Hiking Radio Network: https://hikingradionetwork.com/ Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hikingradionetwork/ Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 18 Jun 2024 | Episode #264 - Lite Shoe's Tales of the AT (June 25-26) | 00:21:04 | |
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Liteshoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers.
Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 01 Feb 2022 | Episode #141- Courtney Miller, aka Unfiltered (a Trail Dames story) | 00:14:26 | |
Courtney has had an on-again/off-again relationship with mountains, hiking, and primitive camping, starting in Alaska in her early life. She also often hiked and “car camped” in the high desert and Sierra Nevadas in California growing up. After living almost 20 years at Sea Level, the mountains were calling again. After “accidentally” stepping onto the Appalachian Trail in Georgia in 2020, the affair was back on!
Now Courtney, aka “Unfiltered,” has created a podcast to indulge in research on her deep love affair with the wilderness, and to help others understand they can fall in love with it too. She talks to guests from various backgrounds and levels of hiking experience in an effort to pick their brains about how to get out and enjoy the outdoors “responsibly.”
In today's story, she recalls a local hike in Florida, when she came into extremely close contact with a particular gator. Guest Links- ALDHA- https://aldha.org/ The Gathering- https://aldha.org/gathering Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com You can find the Trail Dames at: The Summit: https://www.traildamessummit.com The Trail Dames Foundation: https://www.tdcharitablefoundation.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traildames/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/traildames/ Hiking Radio Network: https://hikingradionetwork.com/ Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hikingradionetwork/ Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 04 Jun 2024 | Episode #262 - Lite Shoes Tales of the AT (June 21-22) | 00:15:50 | |
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Liteshoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers.
Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 22 Oct 2024 | Episode #281 - Lite Shoe's Tales of the AT (July 24) | 00:11:26 | |
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Liteshoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers.
Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 25 Jun 2024 | Episode #265 - Lite Shoe's Tales of the AT (June 27-28) | 00:21:24 | |
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Liteshoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers.
Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 02 Apr 2024 | Episode #253 - Lite Shoes Tales of the AT (June 3-4) | 00:16:56 | |
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Liteshoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers.
Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 13 Jul 2021 | Episode #112 Lagniappe - Gear Talk with Tanya Bowers-Dean | 00:38:41 | |
Tanya Bowers-Dean is an enthusiastic if extremely slow hiker and backpacker whose trail name is Caboose. She started hiking and backpacking about 6 years ago and is taking on small sections of the Appalachian Trail in hopes of completing it before she turns 100. She loves gear and talking about gear, but tries not to annoy others by going on and on about it.
In her life off the trail, Tanya is an Executive Assistant in the Marketing department of an Atlanta-based technology company. She also loves playing games like Dungeons & Dragons and other geeky activities. Tanya is a bisexual person who has been married to her loving husband Richard for 25 years. She has two grown children, two dogs and two cats. Guest Links-
Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com You can find the Trail Dames at: The Summit: https://www.traildamessummit.com The Trail Dames Foundation: https://www.tdcharitablefoundation.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traildames/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/traildames/ Hiking Radio Network: https://hikingradionetwork.com/ Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hikingradionetwork/ Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 24 Jul 2019 | Episode #22 - Sarah Williams (Tough Girl Challenges) | 00:56:49 | |
Sarah Williams as an award-winning athlete, podcast creator and motivational speaker. She created Tough Girl Challenges in 2014 as a way of motivating and inspiring women and girls.
She is the creator and host of the Tough Girl Podcast where she interviews inspirational female explorers, adventurers, athletes and everyday women who have overcome great challenges. Her podcast is listened to in 174 countries around the world and has passed 750,000 downloads and in 2018 won the Woman’s Sports Trust.
In addition to her motivational work, Sarah completed the Marathon des Sables in 2016 (6 marathons in 6 days across the Sahara Desert), thru hiked the Appalachian Trail solo and unsupported in 2017, and cycled over 4,000 km from Vancouver, Canada via the Pacific Coast Highway to Cabo San Lucas in Mexico in 2018.
She has a Masters in Women & Gender Studies focusing on women, adventure and fear and is also a qualified Yoga Instructor. We are so excited to have her on the Trail Dames Podcast! You can learn more about Sarah, her accomplishments and her Tough Girl Podcast here: Sarah’s site- https://www.toughgirlchallenges.com/ The Tough Girls Podcast-https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/tough-girl-podcast/id1024977070 Sarah on Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/ToughGirlChallenges/ Sarah on Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/toughgirlchallenges/ Sarah on Patreon- https://www.patreon.com/ToughGirlPodcast Sarah on Twitter- https://twitter.com/_TOUGH_GIRL Sarah on YouTube-https://www.youtube.com/c/SarahWilliamsToughGirlChallenges
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| 17 Dec 2024 | Episode #288 - Lite Shoe's Tales of the AT (August 3) | 00:13:05 | |
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Liteshoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers.
Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 08 Nov 2022 | Episode #180 Lagniappe - Eupepsia on the AT | 00:28:35 | |
Anna is the host of the Trail Dames podcast, the Founder of Trail Dames, The Summit, and the Trail Dames Foundation. When she isn’t dancing up the trail with the Dames, she can be found at her family business, Huthmaker Fine Violins, where she is known as the Bow Queen.
Guest Links-
Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com You can find the Trail Dames at: The Summit: https://www.traildamessummit.com The Trail Dames Foundation: https://www.tdcharitablefoundation.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traildames/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/traildames/ Hiking Radio Network: https://hikingradionetwork.com/ Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hikingradionetwork/ Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 05 Mar 2024 | Episode #249 - Lite Shoe's Tales of the AT (May 30-31) | 00:17:49 | |
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Liteshoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers.
Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 21 Apr 2020 | Episode #48 - Julie "Jester" Gayheart (a Trail Dames story) | 00:14:45 | |
Ever since she was a small girl growing up in Ohio, Julie has been intrigued by the Appalachian Trail. She and her Dad would have many conversations and dreams about hiking the AT and, without her knowing it, the AT climbed into her heart.
Jester is currently in the process of completing her second section hike of the Appalachian Trail with about 700 miles left to go. She has also hiked the Art Loeb Trail, the Foothills Trail, The Narrows in Utah, Yosemite’s Half Dome and Cloud’s Rest, and most recently completed Mt. Rainier Wonderland Trail. Hiking Radio Network- https://hikingradionetwork.com/ Hiking Radio Network on Instagram-https://www.instagram.com/hikingradionetwork/ Jester on Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/jesterhikes Jester on Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/jesterhikes/ Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com You can find the Trail Dames at: The Summit: www.traildamessummit.com The Trail Dames Foundation: www.tdcharitablefoundation.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traildames/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/49722445862/ Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 10 Jan 2023 | Episode #189 Lagniappe - A Fresh Approach to Hiking in 2023 | 00:14:55 | |
Anna, aka Mud Butt, is the founder of Trail Dames Incorporated, a hiking club for women of a curvy nature. Between running her families violin shop (Huthmaker Fine Violins), working in Trail Dames, and teaching new skills around the world with Luthiers without Borders, she is always looking for ways to experience the magic of the outdoors and the beauty of the trail.
Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com You can find the Trail Dames at:
The Trail Dames Foundation: https://www.tdcharitablefoundation.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traildames/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/traildames/ Hiking Radio Network: https://hikingradionetwork.com/ Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hikingradionetwork/ Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 15 Sep 2020 | Episode #69 - Carla Robertson (a Trail Dames story) | 00:17:29 | |
In this week's Trail Dames story, Carla Robertson tells us about the tears, the rain, and a voluminous amount of pee in Vermont!!
Carla is an inspirational woman and a life coach. She is an Appalachian Trail thru-hiker who discovered a talent for inspiring people through that rich experience.
Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com You can find the Trail Dames at: The Summit: www.traildamessummit.com The Trail Dames Foundation: www.tdcharitablefoundation.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traildames/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/49722445862/ Hiking Radio Network: https://hikingradionetwork.com/ Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hikingradionetwork/ Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 17 Aug 2021 | Episode #117 - Ronelle Baker (a Trail Dames story) | 00:22:00 | |
Ronelle lives in Oklahoma and is 59 years old. She retired 2 years ago from a 30-year federal government career working for our service members, veterans, and their families. She has always loved the outdoors. She and her husband spent a lot of time outdoors while raising their two boys that included camping and hiking around their acreage. As Ronelle approached her 50th birthday, she decided she needed to get more active. She started running, riding bicycles, going kayaking and hiking. Through her adventures she has made so many super friends and great memories.
Ronelle first attended a Women’s Retreat in 1995 and did not attend another one until she was in her 50s. At the retreats, she heard so many stories from women about their fun adventures. A class at a Women’s Retreat sparked an interest in backpacking. In 2017, she experienced her first backpacking trip with her friends that involved camping on the trail. After the trip, they decided they liked day hiking and started what they like to call Slackpacking. Ronelle discovered an organization, Adventure in Good Company, that offers Slackpacking Section hikes on the Appalachian Trail.
In 2019, she joined a 12-women group hike for the section of the AT which goes through the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. It was a life-changing experience. She decided she wanted to aspire to section hike the entire AT with the AGC organization. Early in 2020, she and two of her friends signed up for the Fall AT Georgia trip with AGC, but COVID messed up their plans.
Instead of the AT, they decided to section hike the Ouachita Trail which is 223-miles long and is a continuous hiking trail through the Ouachita Mountains of Oklahoma and Arkansas. She, along with her husband and friends, has completed Section 1 (23.7 miles) and Section 2 (27.9 miles) by planning weekend Slackpacking trips. Her goal is to section hike the entire OT by her 60th birthday in September 2021. She is always looking to her next outdoor adventure. Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com You can find the Trail Dames at: The Summit: https://www.traildamessummit.com The Trail Dames Foundation: https://www.tdcharitablefoundation.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traildames/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/traildames/ Hiking Radio Network: https://hikingradionetwork.com/ Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hikingradionetwork/ Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 03 May 2022 | Episode #154 - LiteShoe's Tales of the AT #4 (Pre-Hike) | 00:12:57 | |
More trail lessons as my friend, LiteShoe, tests out her gear, and pushes out of her comfort zone, getting closer to hitting the AT! Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Liteshoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers.
Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com You can find the Trail Dames at: The Summit: https://www.traildamessummit.com The Trail Dames Foundation: https://www.tdcharitablefoundation.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traildames/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/traildames/ Hiking Radio Network: https://hikingradionetwork.com/ Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hikingradionetwork/ Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 13 Aug 2024 | Episode #272 - Lite Shoe's Tales of the AT (July 4-6) | 00:16:30 | |
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Liteshoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers.
Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 13 Oct 2020 | Episode #73 Lagniappe - The Wonderful Wonderland Trail | 00:27:02 | |
In this week's Lagniappe, Anna recalls her visit to Mt Ranier's endlessly dramatic Wonderland Trail.
Official Park Site - https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/the-wonderland-trail.htm Fantastic site with everything you need to know to hike the Wonderland Trail - https://www.wonderlandguides.com/hikes/wonderland-trail
Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com You can find the Trail Dames at: The Summit: www.traildamessummit.com The Trail Dames Foundation: www.tdcharitablefoundation.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traildames/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/49722445862/ Hiking Radio Network: https://hikingradionetwork.com/ Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hikingradionetwork/
Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 15 Oct 2024 | Episode #280 - Lite Shoe's Tales of the AT (July 23) | 00:17:42 | |
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Liteshoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers.
Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 12 Nov 2019 | Episode #29 Lagniappe - Glamping | 00:19:19 | |
This week's lagniappe has Anna chatting with her friend, Pam. They are talking about glamping and the art of comfort in the woods. Anna hasn't been too well so I've revived an episode that has marginal sound quality. However, the subject was so much fun that I've put it together to share with you.
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| 06 Oct 2020 | Episode #72 - Margaret Webster (a Trail Dames story) | 00:14:30 | |
Margaret Webster is a writer, a traveler, and a Trail Dame. You can read more of her writing at her blog, Lessons from the Road USA. In her story, read today by Anna, she tells us about her visit to The Wonders of Watkins Glen.
Margaret's blog - https://www.lftrus.com/ Watkins Glen State Park - https://parks.ny.gov/parks/142/
Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com You can find the Trail Dames at: The Summit: www.traildamessummit.com The Trail Dames Foundation: www.tdcharitablefoundation.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traildames/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/49722445862/ Hiking Radio Network: https://hikingradionetwork.com/ Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hikingradionetwork/ Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 17 Oct 2023 | Episode #229 - Lite Shoe's Tales of the AT (May 11-12) | 00:16:48 | |
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Liteshoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers.
Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters
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| 28 Jan 2025 | Episode #293 - Lite Shoes Tales of the AT (August 13-14) | 00:19:10 | |
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Liteshoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers.
Guest Links- First Health Hospice Hospice Services at FirstHealth | Quality End-of-Life Care Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 29 May 2018 | Episode #04 - Summer | 00:45:52 | |
Summer did not grow up hiking....in fact, it was pretty near the top of things she 'would just rather not do!' The mosquitoes and cold of Minnesota, combined with her speed and discomfort kept her off the trails and safely ensconced in the world of writing and photography. However, one day she moved to Portland and found herself venturing outside. At first, she still hated it, but it wasn't long before the beauty around her began calling her to the trails. In her own words, "she fell in love with the air, the moss, the views, the waterfalls, and most of all, the strength that she felt whenever she hiked."  As she grew to love the outdoors, she also realized, more and more, that she was not represented at all out there. A self-proclaimed fat, queer woman, she never saw anyone like herself on the trails. So she decided to create a community where people like her could come together. Her goal was to make a safe place for folks that are under-represented in the outdoors, and she did just that by creating Fat Girls Hiking.  Now, Summer not only leads hikes and outings in the Portland area but also has extended her reach to include chapters in Minnesota and Tennessee. And don't let the name of the group fool you, everyone is welcome in Fat Girl's Hiking! Summer has reached out to every person who is looking for a place to fall in love with the outdoors, themselves, and life. She has taken body-positivism, outreach, and acceptance to a whole new level and has created something truly special. Whether it be hiking, boxing, accessibility outings, or yoga, Summer is reaching out and making a difference by creating a place in the outdoors for everyone.  After I talk to Summer, join me as I share my own Appalachian Trail Adventures. As I start my thru-hike attempt, I encounter giants, gunfire, and spiritual renewal in the form of red and green soda cans. Special thanks to Huthmaker Violins, Dixie Huthmaker in particular, The Burns Sisters, and the Hiking Radio Network for making this episode possible. | |||
| 10 Dec 2024 | Episode #287 - Lite Shoes Tales of the AT (August 1-2) | 00:16:07 | |
Bio- Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Lite Shoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers.
Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters Finally, as promised, the coveted recipe for: Jan Lite Shoe, AT Class of '03 | |||
| 14 Nov 2023 | Episode #233 - Lite Shoe's Tales of the AT May 15-16 | 00:20:29 | |
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Liteshoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers.
Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 29 Dec 2020 | Episode #84 - 5th Tuesday Special - Sue Turner (Hammock Hanger) | 01:00:30 | |
Sue Turner started camping as a child. She became very involved in camping with her children and then became the Outdoor Specialist for the Palm Glades GS Council. As her daughters grew up she moved over to the Florida Trail, working as a Trail Master.
Once the children were grown and out of the house, she was free to wander up the Appalachian Trail, and this is where her hiking passion became an addiction. She could never get enough. In the years to follow she would complete many East Coast trails; Florida Trail, Bartram Trail, Benton McKay Trail, Long Trail, Great Eastern Trail, Northville Placid Trail, Foothills Trail, and many others. She enjoyed the gem of the PCT by hiking the John Muir Trail in the Sierras.
In 2011 she began her international hiking. She has completed the Camino de Santiago in Spain, the Coast to Coast in the UK, and her own path from the English Channel to the North Sea, also in UK. She has hiked some trails in Australia and New Zealand. Her last hike was in 2018, walking from Florence to Rome on the St Francis of Assisi route in Italy.
In 2014 Trail Dames presented her with the well-earned Adventures of the Year Award.
Hammock Hanger on Trail Journals - www.trailjournals.com/HHENGLAND2015
Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com You can find the Trail Dames at: The Summit: https://www.traildamessummit.com The Trail Dames Foundation: https://www.tdcharitablefoundation.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traildames/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/traildames/ Hiking Radio Network: https://hikingradionetwork.com/ Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hikingradionetwork/ Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 14 May 2019 | Episode #18 - Marcia Paul | 00:41:06 | |
Marcia Paul has lived in Georgia for most of her life. She is the proud mother of three children–Candice, Caylen, and John–and completely in love with her grandson, Beau. She spends her summers living on the lake, camping, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors. She notes that being outdoors is where she finds her escape from the everyday stressors of life.
She has worked as a paralegal for twenty-plus years and recently earned her Master’s degree at Kennesaw State University in Conflict Management, Peacebuilding, and Development.
Her thesis was “Women, Stress, and American Society: How do we manage it all?” which focused on women’s roles in today’s society and how women are expected to manage their families, homes, careers, etc. and make it look so easy. Her solution in managing these stressful expectations was to get outdoors and connect with nature.
Trail Dames has been an amazing group of supportive women throughout this journey and the stories shared by the members was the driving factor behind her thesis. | |||
| 19 Mar 2024 | Episode #251 - Lite Shoe's Tales of the AT (June 1-2) | 00:15:48 | |
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Liteshoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers.
Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 07 Feb 2023 | Episode #193 - Lite Shoes Tales of the AT (April 11-12) | 00:13:24 | |
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Liteshoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers.
Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com You can find the Trail Dames at: Our website: https://www.traildames.com The Summit: https://www.traildamessummit.com The Trail Dames Foundation: https://www.tdcharitablefoundation.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traildames/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/traildames/ Hiking Radio Network: https://hikingradionetwork.com/ Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hikingradionetwork/ Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 14 Jun 2022 | Episode #160 Lagniappe - Introductions with Kim Weiler | 00:32:22 | |
Kim is the Co-Head Dame of the Georgia Chapter of Trail Dames and a member of the Trail Dames Board of Directors.
Between her fantastic sense of humor and her tenacious strength, it is no coincidence that her trail name is Tough Cookie. She leads with heart and humor and we are so lucky that she has agreed to do some Guest Hosting on the Trail Dames Podcast!
Guest Links-
Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com You can find the Trail Dames at: The Summit: https://www.traildamessummit.com The Trail Dames Foundation: https://www.tdcharitablefoundation.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traildames/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/traildames/ Hiking Radio Network: https://hikingradionetwork.com/ Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hikingradionetwork/ Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 18 Mar 2025 | Episode #300 - Tami Brooks | 00:42:01 | |
Tami Brooks is a freelance travel writer and author living in East Texas. When she's not out on the trails or kayaking, you can find her on her back deck plotting her next adventure. Tami loves to blend her experiences in nature with her writing, sharing her passion for the outdoors and travel with others.
Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 10 Sep 2019 | Episode #25 Lagniappe - The 10 Essentials - Hydration | 00:10:49 | |
Staying hydrated while hiking is one of the most important things you can do for your health, and one of the simplest ways you can make your hike a successful one! Check out these articles for more information on hydrating yourself properly while hiking. And keep an eye (and ear) out for other Lagniappe episodes where we dig into the 10 Essentials and how you can incorporate them into your hiking! American Hiking Society tips on water purification- https://americanhiking.org/resources/water-purification/ REI's advice on all thing hydration - https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/hydrate.html Trail Dames Blog Post on the 10 Essentials- https://www.traildames.com/blog/2013/04/how-do-you-want-to-be-remembered-the-ten-essentials/
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| 22 Nov 2022 | Episode #182 - Bowen Blair, Author "A Force for Nature: Nancy Russel's Fight to Save the Columbia Gorge" | 00:49:55 | |
Bowen Blair is an environmental attorney who has protected some of the nation’s most important landscapes. In the Columbia Gorge, Blair helped draft and lobby the act that established the country’s most prominent national scenic area and negotiated the purchase of thousands of acres for public parks and tribal homelands. He was later appointed by two Oregon governors to the Gorge Commission, which he chaired.
Guest Links-
About Nancy - https://gorgefriends.org/who-we-are/nancy-russell.html
Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com You can find the Trail Dames at: The Summit: https://www.traildamessummit.com The Trail Dames Foundation: https://www.tdcharitablefoundation.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traildames/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/traildames/ Hiking Radio Network: https://hikingradionetwork.com/ Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hikingradionetwork/ Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 11 Jan 2022 | Episode #138 Lagniappe - Compression socks, yea or nay?? | 00:14:31 | |
Anna is the host of the Trail Dames Podcast and when not interviewing amazing women for the podcast, can be found running her family violins shop, Huthmaker Violins, in Atlanta, GA, as well as running Trail Dames, Inc, and the Trail Dames Charitable Foundation.
Special thanks to Dame Gayle Snyder for her shoe pics! Guest Links: Smart Wool- https://www.smartwool.com/ Obozs- https://obozfootwear.com/en-us Chacos- https://www.chacos.com/
Compression socks for hiking- https://www.advnture.com/features/a-guide-to-compression-socks-for-hiking Mountain Crossings- http://www.mountaincrossings.com/
Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com You can find the Trail Dames at: The Summit: https://www.traildamessummit.com The Trail Dames Foundation: https://www.tdcharitablefoundation.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traildames/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/traildames/ Hiking Radio Network: https://hikingradionetwork.com/ Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hikingradionetwork/ Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 16 Aug 2022 | Episode #168 - LiteShoe's Tales of the AT (Feb 28 - Mar 1) | 00:18:26 | |
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training, and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, remains friends to this day, and Liteshoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers.
Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com You can find the Trail Dames at: The Summit: https://www.traildamessummit.com The Trail Dames Foundation: https://www.tdcharitablefoundation.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traildames/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/traildames/ Hiking Radio Network: https://hikingradionetwork.com/ Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hikingradionetwork/ Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 08 Aug 2023 | Episode #219 - Teresa French (Wench - Class of 2003) | 00:42:15 | |
Teresa's Bio: I grew up in Florida, the youngest of four children from loving, caring and supportive parents. We were an active family, involved in sports and often taking family camping trips. I graduated from University of Florida with a Bachelors Degree in Zoology, but have never worked in the field. Once I learned of the Appalachian Trail, the thought of hiking the whole thing would not go away. Despite having only two failed backpacking trips for experience, I put my backpack on and stepped onto the Approach Trail. For the next 6+ months, life was simple: Walk, eat, sleep, repeat. I returned to Florida, and became a "responsible" person again by getting a job. I found myself in the business side of healthcare and still work in the field as a Patient Account Manager for a large hospital system. Four years ago, I moved to Western North Carolina with my 2 cats, Wayne and Garth. This is where I truly belong. These are my people. I spend a lot of my non-working time hiking the trails in these Blue Ridge Mountains, including the Appalachian Trail. My soul is happy.
Guest Links-
Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 11 Apr 2023 | Episode #202 Lagniappe - Update from Collin Chambers (Wildwood Magic) | 00:48:14 | |
Collin guides those seeking self-empowerment and personal transformation on enchanted journeys through a magical blend of Sacred Movement, Rituals & Ceremony, and Walking (Hiking~Backpacking~Trekking) as a Sacred Practice. Since beginning her career as a motivational speaker, walking guide, owner/operator of an outdoor gear shop, and master facilitator of creative events, she has helped endless clients discover their inner strength and self-confidence.
Collin is widely recognized for her playful humor and the great delight she brings to all she offers. After losing over 100lbs by adding a daily walk to her life, she now inspires people to find health and happiness through the simple act of taking a walk in the magic of nature. Her own journey has taken her from hiking the 2,180 miles of the Appalachian Trail to mystical sojourns throughout Peru, Nepal, Thailand, Europe, and India. She is the author of the award-winning book WildWood Magic: Walking as a Sacred Path, an experienced yoga instructor, a NOLS-certified Wilderness First Responder, a Backcountry Survival Instructor, and a “Leave No Trace” Master Educator. Collin teaches these and other skills through experiential, custom-created programs, mystical retreats, and inspirational events all over the world.
Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| 07 Jul 2020 | Episode #59 - Melissa Zimmerman (a Trail Dames story) | 00:12:10 | |
Melissa's first backpacking trip holds some important lessons on the value of maps, preparation, and earplugs! And it reminds us all that the very best stories come from some of the less-pleasant hikes!
Melissa Zimmerman is an architectural consultant who stumbled into hiking three years ago. (Literally. She really needs to watch for those troublesome tree roots!) Since then, she has widened her experience to include backpacking, car camping, and international trekking. Pinhoti Trail - http://www.pinhotitrailalliance.org/ Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com You can find the Trail Dames at: The Summit: www.traildamessummit.com The Trail Dames Foundation: www.tdcharitablefoundation.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traildames/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/49722445862/ Hiking Radio Network: https://hikingradionetwork.com/ Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hikingradionetwork/ Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
